16-year-old accused of raping fellow student at school after hours, Georgia police say
Editor’s note: This story contains details that may be difficult for survivors of sexual assault.
A Georgia teen has been arrested in the alleged rape of a fellow student at an Atlanta-area high school, according to multiple news outlets.
The 16-year-old, whom McClatchy News is not naming, is charged with felony rape and sodomy after he’s accused of forcing himself on a 15-year-old girl at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, WAGA reported, citing police.
The alleged incident occurred on campus after hours in mid-November, according to the news station. Police arrested the teen on Dec. 7.
McClatchy News reached out to Cobb County police on Dec. 16 and was awaiting a response.
In an arrest affidavit, authorities accuse the teen of shoving the 15-year-old against a wall and grabbing her by the neck, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. He also called her a derogatory name.
The affidavit further alleges that he forced the 15-year-old into an area with no cameras, slapped her and forced her to perform sexual acts, according to the newspaper. He then took her into the boys’ bathroom, where he assaulted her, the affidavit states.
A district spokesperson confirmed the 16-year-old is no longer enrolled in Cobb County schools.
“As soon as school administration was alerted, the school immediately reported the incident to crimes against children and local authorities to continue the investigation,” the spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement. “The safety of our students is always our top priority. We encourage parents, students, or staff members to report any concerns to our safety alert tip line.”
A neighbor who knows the teen told WSB-TV she’s “shocked” to learn of the allegations against him.
“That’s an unfortunate situation but I just can’t believe he would do that,” Sarah Dell told the news station. “He’s a really good, good kid and a good person.”
The incident remains under investigation.
Powder Springs is about 21 miles northwest of Atlanta.
If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or chat with a trained staff member online.
This story was originally published December 16, 2021 at 11:45 AM with the headline "16-year-old accused of raping fellow student at school after hours, Georgia police say."